This was followed by a continuation of Mahabharata:
Karna had a dream - Agni, dressed as a Brahmin, informed Radheya that he will be visited by Indra (dressed as a Brahmin) to trick him into donating his kavach and kundal. While explaining how those were his main protections and that parting with it would drastically reduce his lifespan, Agni asked him to think of his promise to Duryodhana that he would kill Arjuna in the war, and also to consider the plight of his wife Vrushali and his sons Vrushasena and Sushena. Radheya, being known for his generosity, stated that life had never been appealing to him. Even though he now lived a grand life, his beginnings started with abandonment and life thereafter was one disappointment after another. He stated that he will give the 'Brahmin' what he asks for, as that is the vow that he made. Indra makes the visit the next day, asks for the kavach and kundal, and Radheya tears them off his body. This earned him the name Karna (for scarring his ears while tearing off the kundalas). Indra blessed him with his Śakthi weapon, which would kill the person it was aimed at, but return to Indra after just one use. He also removed Karna's scars from having torn the kavach and kundal. With this one move, Indra removed the threat of Karna from his son Arjuna's life.
Drupada sends his priest as envoy to Duryodhana, Bhramana makes a case for Pandavas, lists all the wrong done to them. Dhritarāshtra lets him know that He will send Sanjaya as his messenger to Pandavas with a reply. Both Kauravas & Pandavas begin amassing their army coalition.
Arjuna travels to Dwarka to seek out Lord Krishna's help, but Duryodhana beats him to it. Lord Krishna was taking a nap so Duryodhana took a seat near the head of the lord and Arjuna teakes seat near the lord's feet. When Lord Krishna wakes up he sees Arjuna first then Duryodhana. Lord Krishna offers to help both of them, and he gives them the choice of either his entire army or himself. Lord gives first chance to Arjuna as he is younger and Lord looks at him first. Arjuna chooses first and picks Lord Krishna as his charioteer and Duryodhana is very satisfied with the army. Duryodhana laughs at Arjuna's choice in his mind.
In the process of collecting allies, Duryodhana heard of Salya's (King of Madra and brother of Mādri) march towards Upalaya to offer his help to the Pandavas. While in a rest area, Salya provided all services through rest houses. Thinking they were provided by his nephews, he stated that he would reward the person that was so thoughtful in deed. Upon hearing this, Duryodhana revealed himself and asked Salya to fight on behalf of the Pandavas. Salya then continued on his journey to Upaplavya to inform his nephews of the ghastly error. The Pandavas received his news well, but Yudhisthira asked him a favor. Although Salya could not fight on their side, he could, as Karna's charioteer, lower his morale and make him ineffective in his fight against Arjuna. Salya readily agreed to the psychological warfare, and was happy to finally be of help to his nephews.
Sanjaya arrived in Upalaya a few days later, While the message seemed like it was praising Yudhisthira, it also seemed to undeniably imply that he was being greedy by asking for material wealth and kingdom at the cost of war (means all the death and destruction). While this angered the Pandavas and all assembled, Sanjaya was worried that the Pandavas would hate him for it. Yudhisthira dispelled that notion, stating that a 'Golden bowl, no matter even if it contains poison does not take those properties, but remains true to its original self'. With a returning message (that at least 5 states from the kingdom should be given to the Pandavas), Sanjaya returned to Hastinapura. He was angry with Dhritarashtra and gave him a cryptic message, displaying his displeasure at the King and told him he will provide a full reply in court the next day. This upsets Dhritarashtra, who is in a sleepless state, called Vidura. While Vidura responded sarcastically to Dhritarashtra's questions, he also realized that the existential line of questioning was leading to some form of self introspection. In Vidura Neethi, he spoke of what a wise man should be and how a wise king should do; of self control, virtue, and respect among many qualities that a man should possess. When he spoke of the soul, Dhritarashtra asked him to say more. To which Vidura revealed that the eternal Rishi Sanatsujata would be the best person to clear such doubts. Vidura went on to meditate on the Rishi, who appeared and provided clarity to Dhritarashtra.
After Sanjaya leaves for Hastinapur, Yudhisthira asks for Krishna's counsel and the Lord suggests he will be going to Hastinapur to give peace a once last chance.